Marion Pryor, 89, had served in Navy

Marion Joseph "Murph" and "Candy Man" Pryor, 89, of New Milford, died July 25 at home after a short illness. He was the husband of the late Thurza Florence Pryor.

Mr. Pryor was born May 20, 1923, in Killingly, son of the late Nicholas and Anna Pryczyczura.

He graduated from Danielson High School and the Ward School of Electronics. He enlisted in the Navy and served on the USS Sigourney destroyer, Pacific Campaign, during World War II. He loved the Navy and his country.

He was a flying enthusiast and achieved a private rating in 1947. He belonged to the New Milford Flying Club in later years.

He was a boating safety officer on Candlewood Lake for many years and promoted watercraft safety.

After retiring from the Mosler Safe Co., he assisted New Milford High School with security functions for numerous years.

His hobbies included photography and woodworking, having built custom clocks.

Mr. Pryor was a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lakes Church.

He is survived by a son, Charles Pryor, and his wife, Yvonne; a daughter, Robyanne Johnson, and her husband, Walter; five grandchildren, Becky Farrell, and her husband, John; Michael Pryor, and his wife, Jenn; Steven Pryor, and his wife, Machelle; Carl Johnson, and his wife, Michelle; and Suszanne Johnson, and her financé Kevin; eight great-grandchildren, Jack Farrell, Camryn and Callie Johnson, Hannah and Hunter Pryor, Jacob and Luke Pryor and Tyler Forschner. He was predeceased by a brother, Louis Pryor, and a sister, Stephanie Kritzman.

A memorial gathering will take place Saturday from noon to 1:30 p.m., followed by a prayer service at the Colonial Funeral Home, 87 Park Lane Road, New Milford.

His ashes will be entrusted to the U.S. Navy for a military burial at sea.

Memorials may be made to the the NMVNA, Hospice Home Care Program, 68 Park Lane Road, New Milford CT 06776.